Southampton's Martin has 'not shown all his cards' ahead of Newcastle

The boss suggested that the starting team in the final friendly - for Saints, a 0-0 draw versus Getafe -  is "usually" a good indication of an opening day set-up.

Martin lined up strong to face the Spanish outfit with Kyle Walker-Peters playing his first minutes of the summer despite an uncertain future.

His first-choice players in every position did at least 60 minutes but transfers in the next week could alter his ideas for Saturday's trip to St James' Park.

Asked if we will see the same starters, Martin told the Daily Echo: "I don't know because not everyone might be here. We might add one or two to the group.

Kyle Walker-Peters made a surprise return to action on Saturday (Image: Stuart Martin)

"I don't know, but usually the last weekend is a good indicator, I'm sure. I think we have a lot of flexibility and we changed shape for the last 20-odd minutes."

Martin continued: "We looked a bit more of a threat. So it's about balancing that out and seeing what we want to do and what's best for Newcastle.

"We've had an idea in our mind for a while and we haven't wanted to show all our cards in pre-season. So yeah, we'll see."

Alex McCarthy, Yukinari Sugawara, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens, Walker-Peters and Flynn Downes look set to start in defence.

Will Smallbone and Joe Aribo will keep their places in attacking midfield, while Ben Brereton Diaz and Adam Armstrong will likely lead the line.

Saints are in the transfer market for attacking reinforcements while Martin admitted Walker-Peters could still depart the club this summer.

Against Getafe, Saints started with five defenders but captain Stephens rolled into midfield and beyond in possession for a more attacking system.